Autumn de Forest Unveiled New Art for International Women’s Day 2020
“The Power of She 2,” Autumn de Forest
In recognition of International Women’s Day in 2020, the acclaimed then-eighteen-year-old art world phenomenon, Autumn de Forest, released a special commemorative artwork to call attention to the accomplishments of women around the world
De Forest unveiled the artwork—titled “The Power of She”—during an assembly at the Pace Center for Girls in Miami, Florida on March 6, 2020. Pace Miami is an innovative prevention and intervention program that addresses the needs of at-risk girls between the ages of 11 and 17. De Forest also led the young women in her “Face Values” workshop, where they created self-portraits.
“Face Values” fosters an appreciation for the creative minds of our future by helping young women harness the power of their female leadership potential. This opportunity is made possible by Park West Gallery and the Park West Foundation.
Special commemorative poster designed by Autumn de Forest for International Women’s Day 2020
“I have always wanted to change the world for the better with my art,” De Forest said. “If my paintings and work with the Park West Foundation can help other young people express themselves—by providing funding for musical instruments, arts education, or art materials—that’s an honor. And if my artwork can help young people express their hope or even their fears through creativity, that is just an incredible feeling.”
Following the artwork unveiling, De Forest’s full “Power of She” collection was showcased during a special International Women’s Day cruise of the luxury cruise ship Celebrity Edge. The history-making cruise, which was part of Celebrity’s “Bridge the Gap” initiative, was the first-ever cruise sailing that features an entirely female bridge and hotel officer team.
18-year-old artist Autumn de Forest
The youngest artist ever represented by Park West Gallery, Autumn de Forest is also the youngest artist ever chosen to represent Turnaround Arts and the President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities. Through her work with Turnaround Arts, De Forest has travelled the globe visiting pilot schools and inspiring students.
In February 2019, De Forest led a workshop with the art students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, continuing her mission of using art to heal and harness the power of creativity.
“Joan of Arc,” a new work from Autumn de Forest’s new “Power of She” collection
In 2015, De Forest had the distinct honor of receiving the International Giuseppe Sciacca Award for Painting and Art from the Vatican. She was invited to present one of her paintings to Pope Francis, which is now officially part of the Vatican Museum art collection.
Following that global recognition, museums around the world began hosting exhibitions of De Forest’s works and adding her artwork to their permanent collections. The Park West Foundation has worked with De Forest to produce exhibitions of her paintings at the Butler Institute of American Art, New York’s LeRoy Neiman Arts Center, and the Monthaven Arts and Cultural Center, among other institutions.
She has also received numerous awards and honors throughout her artistic career—which began at the incredible age of six years old—including being named one of Teen Vogue’s “21 Under 21” in 2017.
“This is Not a Rose,” Autumn de Forest
